From 70s pulp to early millennial literature, Paperback Book Club will try to keep you guessing and maybe a little cultured. We chose this book for a few reasons; one being to compensate for how low-brow last month's selection was, and also because I found a hardback copy of this book in my building's reading room, and I stole it.
After reading Freedom by Franzen, I was a little unsettled, to say the least. Franzen tends to highlight a lot of scientific and personal issues that afflict our century, many of which I would really prefer not to think about. He's a genius though, no arguing that. Anyone who can spin human-focused stories around global conflicts without losing plot or prose deserves a Pulitzer. Franzen, however, does not have a Pulitzer, I'm guessing his personal politics may have some influence.
When this novel appeared in 2001, (I was in sixth grade) Oprah featured this on her book club. Franzen, offended that a suburban housewife audience would tarnish his reputation, demanded she remove it. Only a few copies displaying the Oprah logo are still in existence. Franzen got a lot of flack for this, but to each writer his own, and even after being removed from the Oprah book club it still went on to be one of the best-sellers of the 2000s. Hopefully J-Franz doesn't see this blog and shut us down.
Here with us this month is Chicago stage actress Bryce Gangel discussing one of her favorite books. Bryce is a graduate of the theatre school at Loyola University. Currently Bryce can be seen in Filament Theatre's Hank Williams: Lost Highway. Bryce also owns one of the rare Oprah book club printings.
Bryce's "Corecktall" Cocktail
Since some of the novel has to do with losing your mind, why not welcome it with some refreshing alcohol. Here is Bryce's book club refreshment recipe:
Gin
Tonic
Maraschino cherries
Limes
Sugar
1.) Muddle cherries, lime juice and sugar in the bottom of a glass.
2.) Fill glass with ice, two fingers of gin and top with tonic.
3.) Swirl and garnish with more limes and cherries.
The way this works is if you've read the book and watched our interview, comment on it! Just like a real book club, if you agree, or disagree, or even if you want to build more on an idea, comment it! Virtual book clubs like regular book clubs need discussion!
